Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Standards

11 May 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset

Standards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about standards in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The debate concerns the suspension of the Member for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns.
  • The Committee on Standards recommends a seven-day suspension for Burns.
  • Kathryn Stone, Commissioner for Standards, investigated the matter.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset

The debate concerns the suspension of my right hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Conor Burns), as reported by the Committee on Standards and investigated by Kathryn Stone, Commissioner for Standards. The motion seeks to approve the Fourth Report of the Committee on Standards which recommends a seven-day suspension from service for Mr Burns due to his breach of the House of Commons Code of Conduct.

Other contributors (2)
  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall South

    I agree with the Leader of the House’s statement regarding Conor Burns. The right hon. Member has accepted that he made a rash and inappropriate action during trade negotiations and has apologised in writing to both Mr Speaker and the complainant.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

    The Committee on Standards concluded that Conor Burns used his parliamentary position to intimidate a member of the public for personal gain, which is a serious breach of the Code of Conduct. The recommendation was for him to be suspended from service for seven days and to apologise in writing.

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